J.M Barrie’s whimsical tale of the boy who never grows up in Neverland has been seen revived on stage many times in many different forms, however, in recent years there has only been one production that critics and audiences alike have been raving about. That is of course Mischief Theatre’s ‘Peter Pan Goes Wrong’. This rip-roaring comedy follows Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society’s production of ‘Peter Pan’. Expect the story of Wendy, John and Michael, flying away to Neverland with Peter Pan and his trusted fairy sidekick, Tinker Bell, to be told unlike like anything you have seen before. Along the way expect injuries, perhaps some near deaths, behind-the-scenes dramas and joyous fun for all the family. This farcical triumph has toured the UK previously, however, it is now back in Scotland, currently playing at the Edinburgh Playhouse until Saturday 2nd March, and also hitting Theatre Royal, Glasgow next week (Tuesday 5th March – Saturday 9th March).
This production has an ensemble of actors who work their backsides off to land (sometimes literally) laugh-a-minute material. Each cast member brings a unique approach to the raucously brilliant antics, which as a whole brings together non-stop comedy, leaving the audience sore from laughing. Clark Devlin as Dennis (Playing John Darling, Mr Smee and Mermaid) gets his lines delivered through his headphones, yet for both acts Clark manages to keep the comedic device fresh due to his versatile delivery. Theo Toksvig-Stewart as Max (playing Michael Darling, Mermaid and the crocodile) brings us the soft lad who is clearly the real protagonist of the piece, with his crocodile being an audience favourite. Rosemarie Akwafo as Lucy (playing Tootles) gives us someone who receives nothing but bad luck, and is crippled by stage fright, bringing hilarity at the character’s dispense. Yet we root for Lucy’s character journey, due to the well-rounded character Rosemarie portrays. Ciara Morris as Sandra (playing Wendy Darling), presents a typical am-dram performer, whose characteristics tickle the audience, yet the farcical behind-the-scenes story is what delivers the true laughs. Jamie Birkett as Annie (playing Mrs Darling, Lisa and Tinker Bell) is the true hero of this production, as she tackles tricky costume changes, injuries and is rarely off stage, her energy and devotion are to be admired, but to do all this while leaving the audience in stitches is the truly remarkable.
Jack Michael Stacey as Chris (playing Mr Darling and Captain Hook), is hysterical, his rapport with the audience is golden, at one point you would think you were actually watching a Panto. With Chris’ journey of pain and despair, the laughs are truly at his dispense, however, you can’t help it with how farcical the antics are, and with how great Jack’s performance is. Gareth Tempest as Jonathan (playing Peter Pan), rarely gets time to tackle the original script with how much he it put through the wringer with the chaos occurring around him or to him. You need to admire Gareth’s stamina for the constant torment he needs to depict Jonathan going through, this is a performance that rarely gives the audience a moment to breathe from laughing. Jake Burgum plays Trevor, the no-nonsense stage manager, whose presence on stage alone indicates things have gone wrong or are about to go wrong. To mention some of the disasters that Jake has to play on stage would be spoiling the fun, but oh my goodness, expect to be in stitches. Matthew Howell as Robert (playing Nana the dog, Peter’s Shadow and Starkey) is an absolute riot, his comedic timing and utterly silly portrayal, is just brilliant to behold. The cherry on top of this stellar cast is Jean-Luke Worrell as Francis (playing The Narrator and Cecco). Jean-Luke’s gloriously camp narrator helps bind the hilarity together, utilising a further simplistic physical gag of the chair, yet continuously bringing nuance to the delivery which ultimately continuously brings laugh after laugh.
This production also has a band of understudies – Romeo Mika, Consuela Rolle, Claire Noy and Phil Yarrow.
The real heroes in this production are the team backstage, controlling the chaos safely and helping make sure that everything does indeed go wrong. Liam O’Carroll is the company stage manager, Sophie Duffin is the deputy stage manager, Joseph Brown & Will Darby are the technical assistant stage managers. Zoe Leonard is the assistant stage manager/book cover. Kirsty Robson & Alex Duckworth are the sound operators. With tech swing – Adam Scott. These guys are incredible and it is a joy that they of course get their own bows.
Adam Meggido’s direction brings Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields script to life in an energetic hysterical fiasco that leaves the audience’s cheeks hurting from laughing. Simon Scullion’s ingenious revolving stage, booby-trapped with probably up to one hundred faults, is insanely impressive and is imperative for this production to be as funny. It is complemented by Matt Haskin’s lighting design, and the production is elevated by Roberto Surace’s costume design and Ella Wahlström’s sound design.
‘Peter Pan Goes Wrong’ is a production unlike any other, Mischief Theatre’s hysterical, farcical comedy is one for all the family and is a great piece of theatre. If you want a very funny night at the theatre then get your tickets for what is the best play touring the UK currently.
Get tickets here – https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/peter-pan-goes-wrong/edinburgh-playhouse/
Theatre Scotland 
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